How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Easily

If you’re craving a dish that’s crispy, spicy, and bursting with flavor, look no further than Bang Bang Chicken. This recipe combines tender chicken with a creamy, zesty sauce that dances on your taste buds and is surprisingly quick to whip up. Whether you’re serving it as a main or tossing it into salads or wraps, Bang Bang Chicken is an irresistible crowd-pleaser that delivers bold flavors with minimal fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: Bang Bang Chicken comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Deliciously Crispy: The chicken’s light crispiness gives a satisfying crunch in every bite.
• Flavor-Packed Sauce: The creamy, spicy sauce is tangy, sweet, and just the right amount of heat.
• Versatile Meal: Enjoy it as a main dish, tossed in salads, or even as a flavorful sandwich filling.
• Easy Ingredient List: Simple pantry staples create a gourmet-tasting dish without complicated steps.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These straightforward ingredients are essential to achieving the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color in your Bang Bang Chicken. Each plays a key role, from the crispy coating to the luscious sauce that brings everything together.

• Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless for tender, juicy bites that cook quickly.
• Cornstarch or flour: Provides the crispy coating that locks in moisture.
• Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and richness to the signature sauce.
• Sriracha or chili sauce: Delivers the spicy kick that defines Bang Bang Chicken.
• Honey or sugar: Balances heat with a touch of sweetness for depth.
• Rice vinegar or lime juice: Offers bright acidity to lift the flavors.
• Garlic powder: Brings subtle savory notes to the sauce and seasoning.
• Green onions and sesame seeds: Fresh garnish for color, crunch, and a mild onion flavor.
• Oil for frying: Neutral oil like vegetable or canola works best for even, crisp frying.

Variations for Bang Bang Chicken

Feel free to make this Bang Bang Chicken recipe your own by tweaking ingredients or adapting to dietary needs. It’s easy to customize without losing any of the excitement this dish brings to the table.

• Healthy alternative: Bake the chicken instead of frying for a lighter version.
• Spice levels: Adjust the amount of sriracha or swap it for a milder chili sauce to suit your heat preference.
• Protein swap: Use shrimp or tofu as a delicious alternative with the same sauce.
• Gluten-free option: Use cornstarch or gluten-free flour for coating and ensure your sauces are gluten-free.
• Extra crunch: Add crushed peanuts or panko breadcrumbs for a different texture profile.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Begin by slicing your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces or thin strips. This size helps the pieces cook evenly and stay tender while maximizing the crispy coating’s delicious contrast.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

Toss the chicken pieces in cornstarch or flour, ensuring each bite is lightly coated. Shake off any excess to avoid clumping, which helps achieve that perfect crunchy texture.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the coated chicken pieces in batches to prevent overcrowding, cooking them until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Step 4: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

While the chicken cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, and garlic powder in a bowl. This creamy sauce is where the magic happens—combining spicy, sweet, and tangy notes for a vibrant flavor punch.

Step 5: Toss Chicken with Sauce

Once the chicken is cooked and the sauce is ready, toss everything together. Make sure each piece is generously coated so every bite delivers that signature Bang Bang Chicken taste.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish with a sprinkle of chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds for freshness, crunch, and visual appeal. Serve immediately to enjoy the crispiness at its best.

Pro Tips for Making Bang Bang Chicken

• Use room-temperature chicken: It cooks more evenly and maintains juiciness.
• Don’t skip the cornstarch coating: It’s key to achieving that irresistible crunch.
• Fry in small batches: Prevents oil temperature from dropping and keeps the chicken crispy.
• Adjust sauce consistency: Add more mayo or sriracha to suit your preferred creaminess and heat.
• Serve immediately: The chicken is crispiest fresh from the pan; waiting too long softens the texture.

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken

Garnishes

Fresh green onions add a mild bite and color, while toasted sesame seeds bring an earthy crunch that complements the sauce perfectly. Cilantro leaves can be tossed on for an herbal brightness if you like.

Side Dishes

Bang Bang Chicken pairs wonderfully with simple steamed jasmine rice to soak up the sauce or a crisp green salad to balance the rich flavors. For something a bit heartier, roasted vegetables or garlic noodles make excellent companions.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the Bang Bang Chicken in lettuce wraps for a fresh, low-carb option. It’s also fantastic in bao buns or stuffed inside warm tortillas for an Asian-inspired taco twist. The vibrant sauce makes it a perfect dip for chicken fingers or veggie sticks, too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftover Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate if possible to maintain crispiness.

Freezing

This dish freezes best without the sauce. Freeze the fried chicken pieces on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating and adding fresh sauce.

Reheating

Reheat chicken in a hot oven or air fryer to restore crispiness rather than microwaving, which can make the coating soggy. Add the sauce after reheating to keep flavors fresh and vibrant.

FAQs

Is Bang Bang Chicken spicy?

Bang Bang Chicken has a mild to moderate spice level that can be adjusted easily by adding more or less sriracha depending on your preference.

Can I make Bang Bang Chicken gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use gluten-free cornstarch or flour for the coating and ensure all sauce ingredients are gluten-free to keep the dish safe for gluten sensitivities.

What can I substitute for mayonnaise in the sauce?

You can use Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier version or vegan mayo if you prefer a dairy-free option without compromising creaminess.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

Absolutely. Baking is a healthier alternative that still gives the chicken a nice texture, although it may be less crispy than frying.

How do I store leftovers to keep them crispy?

Store chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers and reheat chicken using an oven or air fryer to maintain its crisp texture before serving.

Final Thoughts

Bang Bang Chicken is truly a joyous dish that brings together crispy chicken and a creamy, spicy sauce in a way that feels both special and approachable. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this recipe is sure to become a fast favorite. Give it a try, and enjoy all the bold, delicious flavors that make Bang Bang Chicken such a standout meal!

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